The Theatre Today
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Star Theatres is located on 145 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton. It incorporates three performance spaces, two fully equipped theatres and a studio. All spaces are available for hire for a variety of activities and theatre applications.
The theatre has a proud history of being a venue for hire to local productions of musicals, dance concerts, plays, exhibitions and more. We are proud to provide a easily accessible venue, at a reasonable cost, to support both local performers and audiences. |
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The History of Star Theatres
In 1923 on land given to its first inaugural body, the theatre began its public life as a tin shed, and The Soldiers Memorial Institute which housed a library and meeting hall for returned soldiers from the first world war, was built.
In 1928 a more permanent stone and brick building replaced the tin shed and formed the foundation of what still stands as part of the main theatre.
During the early thirties functions like ballroom dancing and roller skating filled the hall, however roller skating eventually had to be banned because of the damage to the floor.
In 1936 it became the home of a new fad ‘electric light cricket'.
As suburban film theatres became popular, in 1937 an entrance foyer, ladies retiring room and a projection room was added to show movies and the building became known as ‘The Lyric Theatre' and then ‘The Windsor ' when it was bought by the Windsor chain.
In 1956 and addition was made to the rear of the theatre to house a more modern larger screen however as movies were only shown on Saturday, the lease required the hall to be available to locals at all other times. During this time the hall became known as ‘Star Theatres' for a short period.
Films were popular but when drive in movie theatres became established and television began in 1959 audiences dropped and finally the Windsor chain relinquished its lease in 1961.
In 1962 John Edmund and Donald Grey took the lease and turned the main hall into a ‘performance in the round' theatre, which became the home of Adelaide live performances in the 60's…hence the name change to Theatre 62.
While the library remained part of the theatre it was finally moved in 1970, when local council took over the management of the building as The Soldiers Memorial Institute was disbanded.
In 1981 the defunct Baptist church adjacent to the theatre was purchased by the council and joined via a foyer to the main Theatre. The complex became known as ‘Theatre 62 and The Chapel' and was used as a youth centre by ‘Carclew'
In 1985 the West Torrens Council refurbished the venue and leased to theatre to managers Barbara Messenger and Rob George, who continued the programming and promotion of ‘Local' theatre.
Mighty Good Entertainment bought into the partnership in 1992 and eventually Malcolm Harslett became sole director in 1999.
As part of an extensive up grade of facilities by Mighty Good Productions, it was noted that the name ‘Theatre 62' came from the year 1962 and had no relationship to either the address of the building or to the smaller venue, (known as ‘the Chapel') so it was decided to return to the name of ‘Star theatres' for the complex, with the main theatre being called Theatre 1 and the refurbished chapel, Theatre 2.
In 2015 after several years of uncertainty the West Torrens Council voted to retain the theatre and continued the lease agreement with Mighty Good Productions for a further 10 years, later agreeing to budget upgrading the building for the future and to keep the venue which boasts an average audience of 80,000 patrons each year.
In 2018 Mighty Good Productions has held the lease for 25 years, the longest time of any theatre managers and has produced 70 original productions since 1992. The theatres have also hosted hundreds of different clients from major Musical companies, comedians, plays and other theatre productions for many Primary and Secondary schools and Dance and Drama and singing schools.
The theatre is also the home of the Mighty Good Talent School which in 2018 is celebrating its 40th year of teaching South Australians the performing arts.
In 1928 a more permanent stone and brick building replaced the tin shed and formed the foundation of what still stands as part of the main theatre.
During the early thirties functions like ballroom dancing and roller skating filled the hall, however roller skating eventually had to be banned because of the damage to the floor.
In 1936 it became the home of a new fad ‘electric light cricket'.
As suburban film theatres became popular, in 1937 an entrance foyer, ladies retiring room and a projection room was added to show movies and the building became known as ‘The Lyric Theatre' and then ‘The Windsor ' when it was bought by the Windsor chain.
In 1956 and addition was made to the rear of the theatre to house a more modern larger screen however as movies were only shown on Saturday, the lease required the hall to be available to locals at all other times. During this time the hall became known as ‘Star Theatres' for a short period.
Films were popular but when drive in movie theatres became established and television began in 1959 audiences dropped and finally the Windsor chain relinquished its lease in 1961.
In 1962 John Edmund and Donald Grey took the lease and turned the main hall into a ‘performance in the round' theatre, which became the home of Adelaide live performances in the 60's…hence the name change to Theatre 62.
While the library remained part of the theatre it was finally moved in 1970, when local council took over the management of the building as The Soldiers Memorial Institute was disbanded.
In 1981 the defunct Baptist church adjacent to the theatre was purchased by the council and joined via a foyer to the main Theatre. The complex became known as ‘Theatre 62 and The Chapel' and was used as a youth centre by ‘Carclew'
In 1985 the West Torrens Council refurbished the venue and leased to theatre to managers Barbara Messenger and Rob George, who continued the programming and promotion of ‘Local' theatre.
Mighty Good Entertainment bought into the partnership in 1992 and eventually Malcolm Harslett became sole director in 1999.
As part of an extensive up grade of facilities by Mighty Good Productions, it was noted that the name ‘Theatre 62' came from the year 1962 and had no relationship to either the address of the building or to the smaller venue, (known as ‘the Chapel') so it was decided to return to the name of ‘Star theatres' for the complex, with the main theatre being called Theatre 1 and the refurbished chapel, Theatre 2.
In 2015 after several years of uncertainty the West Torrens Council voted to retain the theatre and continued the lease agreement with Mighty Good Productions for a further 10 years, later agreeing to budget upgrading the building for the future and to keep the venue which boasts an average audience of 80,000 patrons each year.
In 2018 Mighty Good Productions has held the lease for 25 years, the longest time of any theatre managers and has produced 70 original productions since 1992. The theatres have also hosted hundreds of different clients from major Musical companies, comedians, plays and other theatre productions for many Primary and Secondary schools and Dance and Drama and singing schools.
The theatre is also the home of the Mighty Good Talent School which in 2018 is celebrating its 40th year of teaching South Australians the performing arts.
Past Shows
Into The Woods
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tim&TIM!'s
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Aiden Schofield: MAGICIANAfter 10 years of magic, industry up-and-comer Aiden Schofield is ready to thrill audiences with his biggest show yet! Making his Adelaide Fringe debut, Aiden will perform a jam-packed hour of mind-blowing magic and mentalism guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Come and witness a mix of stunning magic and sleight of hand right in front of your very eyes! Aiden recently performed his 'Untitled Magic Show' at the 2021 Melbourne Magic Festival and was the first recipient of The Magic School of Confidence (Doug Tremlett Award). The award is in honour of Doug Tremlett - who was one of Australia’s best magicians. |
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Anthony Locascio
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MENwhoDANCEGet your heart pumping with Charlie, Kurt, Ricki-Jai, Willian, and Dhuruva, five male dancers with an amazing variety of styles from hip hop, to classical tap, to acrobats.
Awe inspiring, upbeat, and even funny. Do not miss this unique production! |
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A Disney Tribute:
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CINDERELLA
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BelfastWinner: MUSICAL THEATRE REVIEW
CLARE AWARD: EDINBURGH FRINGE 2021: BEST MUSICAL “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” Belfast, one town, two God fearing communities under the watchful eye of an Almighty whose wrath and retribution are known to be terrible and then from behind the assembled dignitaries there to launch the greatest vessel ever to sail the oceans, some common working man, looking up at her and overwhelmed with pride and believing it with all his heart cried: “Even God couldn’t sink the Titanic”. From Titanic to the beginning of The Troubles, the story of BELFAST, Northern Ireland, city on the side of the Lagan, sectarianism and a world gone mad. A visceral tragedy told through the lens of EPIC THEATRE with ten new songs. |
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Pure ImaginationKurt Benton takes you on a journey performing some of Josh Groban's biggest hits and arrangements of well known musical theatre tunes and standards. Experience the cross over genre that is 'popera' with one of Adelaide's hidden talents.
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Vicarious Cabaret'Vicarious Cabaret' by Musical Improv collective Spoonerise This! is a show about you! - Taking inspiration from the audience, the performers turn someone's life into their very own musical, right before their eyes. Never to be repeated again. "Surely this isn't completely improvised?!" - ★★★★★ Weekend Notes 2019.
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More Than A Game
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I'm A Raindrop,
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Cabaret ClichéLooking for a night of incredible dancers or fantastic singers or burlesque delight?
Cabaret Cliche is the show for you! Let Cabaret Cliche fill you with our P A S S I O Ns. A night full of burlesque, dance, music and P A S S I O N. A different show every night to entertain and delight all manner of audiences (18+) and showcase the incredible talents of Artists across adelaide. |
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2021
Mighty Good Productions Presents
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Beautiful
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Reflections:
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Theatre Bugs & Adelaide Theatre Academy Presents
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IKK SUPNE DA SYAASI QATALUsually it is the teachers and the professors who educate the uneducated but what happens when an uneducated man gives a lesson in history to a University professor?
Crafted by the ace Punjabi playwright, Dr. Pali Bhupinder Singh, Ikk Supne Da Syasi Qatal is a conversation piece between Karmoo, a rickshaw puller and a professor. Visibly angry yet very diplomatic, Karmoo takes the audience down the historic lane and narrates Indian history from a common man's viewpoint. Directed by director Gurvinder Singh, this play is a satire on Indian politics and does not have a single dull moment. It’s witty yet thought provoking and makes one rethink about Indian politics and its effects on a common man's life. |
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Right By Your SideDid you know that the Eurythmics started out in Wagga Wagga, or that both Annie & Jim moved to London from Scotland to try and get their first big break?
This unique and interactive show will take you on an anecdotal & musical journey to salute the Eurythmics, but done of course in the highly entertaining performance style of The BordererS. An uplifting story that parallels the lives and musical careers of both duos (only a decade apart) from their similar upbringings in the UK, to becoming romantically involved, forming a band together and then travelling and performing all around the world. The aim of this show is to remind you of how good the Eurythmics were, and to encourage you to sing along to all your favourite classics such as ’Sweet Dreams’, ‘Right By Your Side’ and ‘Who’s That Girl’. You’re gonna love the high energy, the stories, and be totally enthralled by this nostalgic musical odyssey which includes The BordererS full band, plus a special appearance by the Rough Diamonds Choir (formed just for the occasion). |
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Sixty Sassy and Celebrating!If 60 is the new 40, and 40 is the new 20, when do we finally grow up?
Reaching a significant birthday, Alison Kimber has thrown caution to the winds and reveals the good, the bad and the funny things about growing older in her one-woman show 60 Sassy and Celebrating! Combining juke box hits of the 60s with more ‘modern’ tunes, Alison’s original show reveals how a little girl was fascinated by 1960s divas like Dusty and thought growing up would be all sequins and big hair. But things changed! Featuring Alison’s trademark warmth, wit and love of a good tune, 60 Sassy and Celebrating! is an engaging mix of music, laughter and thought-provoking revelations. |
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Rire c'est Guérir!
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13 the MusicalMULTI AWARD WINNING '13' is a musical with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown and book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn.
Following a move from New York City to small-town Indiana, young Evan Goldman grapples with his parents' divorce, prepares for his impending Bar Mitzvah, and navigates the complicated social circles of a new school. |
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Vicarious Cabaret'Vicarious Cabaret' by Musical Improv collective Spoonerise This! is a show about you! - Taking inspiration from the audience, the performers turn someone's life into their very own musical, right before their eyes. Never to be repeated again.
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The Little MermaidThe Spirit of the Sea tells the story of Ariel, a Little Mermaid who dreams of living in the human world. She collects human things which have fallen into the sea and swims up to a rock to watch the ships.
There is a fierce storm and Ariel rescues a handsome Prince from drowning. Ursula the evil Sea Witch was watching in her crystal ball. Ursula agrees to change Ariel's mermaid tail into legs but takes away her beautiful voice which she puts in a shell on her neck. Prince Eric meets Ariel - she cannot speak but must persuade the Prince to kiss her to free her from Ursula's spell. They dance in fun before going to the Palace Ball. Ursula arrives to stop Ariel and Eric from falling in love. The Prince snatches the shell and returns Ariel's beautiful voice. They kiss and are married. |
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The Gaiety GardenStep into our garden, a delightful spot and fertile ground for something truly spectacular. Feathers, finery, dazzling costumery and a grand staircase! An ultimate drag showgirl experience.
Inspired by Parisian cabaret, Hollywood glamour, couture fashion with the magic of the theatre. Classy, classic drag with high production value. Let's bloom! Take a stroll with us through our fantasy land... The garden of enchantment, curious courtyards, revealing passageways, fascinating characters, exotic flowers, forbidden fruits... Have a laugh, feel the drama. Immerse yourself, be awed. Be prepared for some interesting audience interaction! |
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Sole Mates
Clown meets Clown. Clown falls in love with Clown. A chaotic cluster of Clown conflict ensues. You know, the classic love story. But what happens when a clown takes the phrase ‘head over heels’ too literally?
Come see this two-woman show explore the antics of affection with an arm, a leg and flawless comedic timing. Warning: this show contains all the fun stuff, a bit of the rubbish stuff and there may be some mischief afoot. |
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Black Cat Theatre's
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Alien in LAFrom Port Adelaide to Hollywood! Teresa De Gennaro follows her dreams to LA where she unveils the grit behind the glamour.
This inspirational story of overcoming the odds, features an eclectic mix of songs, comedy and personal experiences as her secret of living and performing with MS (multiple sclerosis) is revealed. |
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The Eye of WilkinsHe was one of the greatest Polar explorers. He was also a world-class photographer. For the first time, the photos and films of South Australian, Sir George Hubert Wilkins are being brought together in this new documentary by Peter Maddern. From under the North Pole ice and deep among the front lines of the Western Front in the Great War, from sailing high above the earth in the Graf Zeppelin to riding the roiling seas on Shackleton's Quest, Wilkins kept his cameras going. His photographic record of the 30 years from 1910 to the Second World War is like no other.
If you haven't heard of this great man, this is a time to sit back and be amazed at what he achieved, at what he witnessed and at how he isn't better known in his home town. Part of the 'Bringing Wilkins Home' initiative. |
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Nancy Wake
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The Death ShowMourning!
Come into our lair, lay your heart bare, prepare to be ensnared and perhaps a little bit scared! Death. We all do it, so why do we ignore it? When the end gives meaning to the life that comes before it? What if a reaper doesn’t want to be grim? Has anyone bothered to ask her, or him? Set in The Underworld, follow a brave, little grim reaper embarking on a heart-warming quest to discover the meaning of Death. Dead-set on bringing death to life with music, humour, a side-serve of accidental philosophy; The Death Show will have you laughing like The Joker, crying like Moaning Myrtle, and plummet you into an up-side-down world you won’t be expecting. ★★★★1/2 "witty and thought-provoking..." Fringefeed. |
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The Man Who Wrote ShakespeareHow did the man who wrote under the name Shakespeare manage to not only survive two years in the Tower of London, but also write Hamlet in the shadow of the executioner’s axe? Why did he allow Shakespeare to take all the credit? This trauma caused a radical shift in his writing to what might well be his last play.
To respect the Bard’s wish, please promise not to tell who really wrote Shakespeare. With Russell Starke, Emily Jo Davidson and Charles Herkes. |
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Saltbush Downs
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